If you haven't watched the original movie (Ofelas) and the remake (this one right here),than I'd say, you should at least watch the original! But if you want to read on, it would be better, if you have watched the remake, too, since I will be pointing out some differences and spoiler some things ...

Let's begin with the main character. Karl Urban is much more active and is more of a fight machine than the original actor in Ofelas. Urbans character did get a further motivation for his hatred against the "enemies" (don't ask me how they call themselves, it was too much mumbo jumbo for me to really care). With this vengeance wish filling up his heart, he offs enemies like flies ... If that's your cup of tea, enjoy, also if you enjoy silly moments, where the protagonist jumps in front of a whole group of enemies, just to pick up a sword and escape, than you're in for a treat here ... (they wouldn't have noticed him, if he wouldn't have jumped "right in").

The action scenes, are quite good (in the unrated version, haven't seen the other one). It's a shame then, that so much of the original story has been changed. It should've been a good thing, but it's not. At least not for me, but since you're reading this, you made up your mind, too! :o)

On the whole, "Pathfinder" is a decent and watchable film. Far from perfect, but I personally didn't think it is as bad as people make it out to be. Visually and technically, there is next to nothing wrong with it. The sets are stunning, with towering mountains, tall trees and very white snow, and the cinematography is stunning. Also the costumes are wonderful to look at, and the makeup particularly on the Vikings is outstanding. The score is stirring and brings real dramatic weight to the more tense scenes. The action scenes are truly spectacular with heavy emphasis on violence and a lot of chaos. However, the script is not as strong not absolutely terrible but parts are a little stilted. The story here is simple, I have no problem with films that have simple stories, but while there are a number of fast paced action sequences, the slower scenes are rather drawn out and very little happens to maintain interest. Also the pacing is uneven, too stodgy in places, however the acting ranges from good to so-so, Rusell Means in particular is very dignified in the role of Pathfinder. Overall, decent film but not a masterpiece. 7/10 Bethany Cox

A Viking boy is discovered by Native Americans after his longboat is shipwrecked. He is adopted into the tribe after the Viking marauders are massacred. He is given the name Ghost (Karl Urban) and grows up using his Viking father's sword. He falls in love Starfire (Moon Bloodgood) who is the daughter of a friendly tribe chieftain Pathfinder (Russell Means). Then his tribe is attacked by new Viking raiders led by Gunnar (Clancy Brown).

This is Conan the Barbarian in Native North America. It's dark, brutal and messy. I can see where the graphic novel is coming from but the translation to the screen is not compelling. I do like the crazy Viking style and the bloody gore which I'm guessing comes from the comics. The dark brooding mood and music do wear thin. Director Marcus Nispel, who is more known for his music video work, does badly with the narrative. It's not compelling. Karl Urban is a great actor but overall the acting from everyone is poor. This is a dark bloody mess from an intriguing graphic novel idea.